Author: Gary Locken

Posted per Local President Gerard Tcheumani:

(March 17, 2018)

Dear members,

Last summer VBA management made changes to the Output metric of the Veterans Service Representatives’ (VSRs) performance standards without completing its bargaining obligations with the NVAC. The NVAC filed a national grievance over this unilateral implementation on July 25, 2017. We are pleased to report that this week the NVAC and the VA reached a settlement of the national grievance. A copy of the settlement agreement is attached. Pursuant to the terms of the settlement, management is prohibited from issuing any performance based actions against VSRs premised on deficient work performance for work performed in FY17 (Oct. 1, 2016 – September 30, 2017). No new discipline of this type should be proposed after the effective date of this agreement, March 13, 2018. If there is any such discipline issued (i.e. discipline based on deficient performance of work during FY17), local officers should contact the NVAC Legal Team at nvacattorney@afge.org. This settlement does not affect performance based actions premised on deficient work performed during the current fiscal year. It does not affect disciplinary action premised on an employee’s conduct.

This settlement follows the gains made at the bargaining table with respect to the same changes to the Output element of the VSR performance standards. On January 10, 2018, your VBA mid-term bargaining committee negotiated the attached MOU with the Agency on this subject. The provisions of this MOU are made retroactive to the implementation date of the modifications to the Output element and continue in full force and effect for VSRs going forward.

The NVAC Legal Team had also filed a complaint with the Office of Special Counsel alleging that VBAs performance assessment system for VSRs FY17 violated merit system principles. OSC disagreed with the merits of our complaint and declined to further investigate the allegations. But going forward, performance data from FY17 should not be used to support disciplinary actions according to the terms of the settlement reference above.

If local officers have any questions about the information contained in this briefing please email the NVAC Legal Team at nvacattorney@afge.org.

MOU re VSR Performance Standards Modifications to Element 3 Output (1-10-18)

Final Settlement Agreement – NG 7-25-17 (effective 3-13-18)

This Thursday, February 1 at 10 a.m. Pacific time, we ask that all AFGE Local 3943 members observe a moment of silence to celebrate the lives of Echol Cole and Robert Walker. To find an observance in your area, click here.

You can also join at AFSCME’s Facebook Live event on February 1.

Read more about the Moment of Silence Remembering Echol Cole and Robert Walker click here

Note: Do not join this call while on duty time or with the use of a government-issued phone.

Join our monthly Tele-Town Hall to discuss the potential shutdown. We encourage all members and non-members to be on the call!

There will be an opportunity for callers to ask questions, so make sure to write down anything you would like to ask.

When: 8 p.m. EST / 5 p.m. PST 1/22/18

Call Information:

• Dial-in number: (877) 229-8493
• Pin Code: 110858

Source AFGE.org

General Membership Meeting Jan 2018 
Wed, Jan 24, 2018 7:00 PM

Topics will include the recent changes to nursing service compressed tours as outlined in the MOU GLA Nursing FMLA Sick Leave Restriction loss of Compressed Work Tours  This change affects Bargaining Unit Employees from AFGE Locals 1061, 3943 and 2297.

The upcoming 2018 election for Local 3943 officers. Download and read the AFGE election manual here Electionmanual

We will also speak to recent changes related to VA Accountability and Whistleblower Protection Act.

Bldg. 500, Room 3400. 
You can also dial in using your phone. 
United States: +1 (571) 317-3122 

Please Email Gary Locken to request the link and password. Membership will need to be verified, deadline for access request is 8 PM Jan 22.

In person attendance is ideal, but if you can’t attend in person we understand and hope you will join our Gotomeeting. Please note that the gotomeeting will be limited to listen and watch only. We will attempt to respond to questions and comments on the Gotomeeting chat, but audio input from callers will be muted.